Housing Counseling and Homeowner Education

REACH offers a class designed to assist low to moderate-income families achieve the goal of home ownership. Classes are typically two hours long meeting once a week for six weeks.

Week 1-2 offers

• Introduction to Budgeting
• Focus on Credit and Credit Reports
• Discipline in Tracking Your Money
• Balancing income and Expenses

Week 3-4 offers

• Introduction to Home Ownership
• Overview of Housing in Duplin County
• Responsibilities of Owning a Home
• Calculating Gross Income
• Debt to Income Ratio
• Down Payments, Closing Costs and PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance)
• Determining How Much You Can Afford
• Home Maintenance Costs

Week 5-6 includes outside professionals invited to speak. Subject include

• Loan Applications
• Special Programs Available
• Advantages to Owning a Home
• Working with a Real Estate Agent
• Steps to Applying for a Loan

At the end of the six week class, participants receive a certificate of completion.

If you're interested in attending a Homeowners Education class, please contact REACH at 910-296-1180 or